PYD/PKK terrorists release all Daesh prisoners in Afrin

ALEPPO, Syria (AA) - The PYD/PKK terror group has released all Daesh prisoners under the condition that they will fight against Turkish army and Free Syrian Army (FSA) in Syria's Afrin region, according to local sources Monday.

The terrorist group struck a deal with Daesh terrorists for using them as a tool against Turkey's Operation Olive Branch in Afrin, the sources told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity due to security restrictions.

The PYD/PKK terror group had previously reached a deal with Daesh terrorists, allowing hundreds of them to escape Raqqa with knowledge of the U.S.; a big part of these Daesh terrorists then travelled towards the Turkish border.

On Saturday, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to remove PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as to protect the Syrian people from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.

The operation was being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law, UN Security Council’s decisions, self-defense rights under the UN charter and respect to Syria's territorial integrity, it said.

The military also said "utmost importance" was being given to not harm any civilian.

Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012 when the Assad regime in Syria left the city to the terror group without putting up a fight.